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The Department of Home Affairs has denied allegations that nationals from Lesotho will be exempt from the requirement of presenting valid passports when entering South Africa.
According to the department, there has been no agreement reached between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, contrary to various unfounded media reports and social media posts.
These reports falsely claim that citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho may now enter the Republic using only their national ID cards, the department said.
“Allowing entry without a valid passport would violate South Africa’s laws. Specifically, such an act would contravene section 9 of the Immigration Act of 2002, which stipulates that no person shall enter or depart from the Republic unless they are in possession of a valid passport.”
On April 17, 2026, the Home Affairs Ministers of Lesotho and South Africa convened in Cape Town to review a study report presented by a joint task team.
This team was formed to explore the creation of a new migration model between the two countries.
The department said ministers were directed by the bi-national commission between the two countries to undertake the study.
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“This was the first time that the outcome of the study was presented to the ministers with various recommendations, which are to be considered by the bi-national commission.
“For any such change to even be considered, a legislative process involving parliament would be required to amend existing immigration laws. No such process is currently underway.
Valid passports mandatory
“The status quo remains. All Lesotho nationals and South African citizens must continue to present valid passports for all entry and exit purposes at our shared ports of entry.”
The department has strongly advised the public to refrain from disseminating misinformation.
